Defence policy UK should consider resuming talks on EU defence pact, Starmer says

The Guardian ^ | Sun 1 Feb 2026 | Pippa Crerar

[MinorityRepublican]

The UK should consider re-entering talks for a defence pact with the EU, Keir Starmer has said, arguing that Europe needs to “step up and do more” to defend itself in uncertain times.

The prime minister signalled that he wanted to work more collaboratively with other European countries to increase defence spending and build up military capability, and doing so through the EU’s scheme is one option available.

Talks for the UK to join the EU’s €150bn (£130bn) security action for Europe (Safe) defence fund collapsed in November 2025 amid claims the bloc had set too high a price on entry, with France blamed for the breakdown.

However, there is understood to be greater appetite on all sides for a deal on the UK to join a future round of Safe, especially since Donald Trump’s threats to take over Greenland and criticism of Nato.

Asked on his trip to China whether there was a case for the UK going back into a second-round Safe defence pact if the price was right, Starmer said: “Europe, including the UK, needs to do more on security and defence … That’s an argument I’ve been making for many months now.

“We’ve got to step up and do more. It’s not only President Trump who thinks Europe needs to do more but other presidents as well. I think the same. That’s why we’ve made commitments to greater spending. I think we need to go beyond that.”

The Guardian revealed on Friday that the UK and EU were exploring the prospect of new talks on closer defence cooperation. Maroš Šefčovič, the EU’s trade commissioner, is due in London for talks next week when trade, energy and fisheries will be on the agenda.

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TOPICS: United Kingdom
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[Cincinnatus.45-70]

Der Sturmer is getting desperate?

[butlerweave]

How about the UK DUMP Starmer and his Insanity Party ?

[mass55th]

Keir Starmer, the Neville Chamberlain of his time.